A Breath of Aer, Gloucester Road

I’m not normally the biggest fan of blow dries. Unlike some women who think of them as their secret weapon and would never dare turn up at a business meeting or social gathering with natural locks, I believe they can make you look dated and too polished, aka boring. This is why I haven’t gone too crazy about the innumerable blow bars that have been popping up around London in recent months.

But Aer is different in that they offer a variety of styles, not just stuffy à la Kate Middleton bouncy tresses, and that the stylish salon is not only great to sit back and relax, but is also the perfect space to catch up on emails, or with a friend over a complimentary hot drink or glass of bubbly. The founder Anushka moved to London from NYC and decided to bring with her high quality, yet affordable blow dries that would keep her unruly hair in check. Based in the Gloucester Road area, Aer is fun and luxurious in equal measures.

I tried Aer on a Friday afternoon and had a dance festival to go to on the Saturday, so was not after your everyday style. I flicked through the look book and went for the Rio blow dry; loose tumbling waves on one side and a thin French plat ending on the back of the neck on the other. I was happy with this option but you can also ask for a bespoke look if you prefer something a bit different.

All blow dries include a wash (unless you’re short of time, in which case you can opt for a dry fix) and you can also get an extra nourishing treatment and ten minute head massage. I didn’t try the latter but did get treated to an Oribe mask, a 100% vegan, sulphate and paraben free product that left my hair super soft. The stylist was great and gave me some tips so the hairdo stayed put overnight, which it did!

It was the last festival of the summer though so I felt like channelling my inner Kylie (Jenner of course) and experimenting with colour, but after years of dyeing my hair I know the damage that bleach can cause and it’s just not worth it. Lucky label.m has the answer to my colour fantasies in the shape of Powder Colour Sprays (RRP: £9.95), which allow you to try funky shades without commitment as they wash off easily, just what you need for a festival.

I wore the ocean blue shade creating highlights/ombré effect, which was super easy to spray on, and got lots of compliments on it, plus I really enjoyed a change from my usual chocolate brown for the day. The summer may be well and truly over but I’m looking forward to visiting Aer again and trying the other label.m Powder Colour Sprays when I need a pick me up in the colder months…

About the Author

Tatei Montejo Spanish by origin, Londoner by choice, Tatei has lived and worked in the City for the past four years. Lover of all things beauty she's partial to an indulgent spa treatment in the morning followed by a Real Madrid game in the afternoon and a Bellini in the evening

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